2004
Saturn
VUE

Base Sport Utility

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Review

2004
Saturn
VUE Review

Falls in between powerful and efficient.

Reviewed by Automotive on
12/20/2004

Overview

The 2004 Saturn VUE features a number of improvements over the previous year. Coming in two models, this vehicle offers some variation with the option of two engines. Both models offer all-wheel drive (AWD) and traction control. With all of these features, Saturn pulls decent fuel efficiency out of both engines.

Saturn also offers other amenities with the VUE, which excite anyone looking for an SUV with style.

The Range

What's New

The 2004 Saturn VUE introduces a few new features to the VUE line. One of the biggest changes to the VUE concerns the 3.5-liter six-cylinder, a more powerful contrast to the original three-liter six-cylinder found in older versions of the VUE. Seventeen-inch tires now come standard on the AWD version of the six-cylinder and optional on the front-drive version. Saturn includes metallic and leather trim to replace the noisy plastic trim on older versions, quelling complaints about the noise. Some more entertainment choices for the 2004 VUE include a MP3-compatiable stereo, a CD player, and an optional DVD system.

Exterior

Saturn creates a stylish vehicle with this SUV. Measuring in at 71.5 inches wide, 181.3 inches long, and 66.5 inches tall, this makes for a very rounded and modern-looking SUV, which entices any SUV enthusiast. Further accentuating the features, the VUE also comes equipped with steel wheels and full wheel covers. It also includes a roof rack, privacy glass, and a rear liftgate door.

Interior

The interior of this SUV includes a number of amenities for its drivers. Offering unbeatable headroom in the front at 40.4 inches and legroom totaling 41.2 inches, the 2004 Saturn VUE remains accessible to even the tallest drivers. All seats in this vehicle come upholstered in cloth. The front features bucket seats, while the rear uses bench seating.

Performance & Handling

Most Saturn vehicles do not get recognition for their power, and the four-cylinder makes no exception to this rule. Putting out 152 lb-ft of torque and 143 horsepower, this SUV does not come ready for racing, but it makes up for the lack of power with its good fuel efficiency, especially for an SUV.

The six-cylinder version of this vehicle puts out higher power compared to its four-cylinder counterpart. Offering 242 lb-ft of torque and 250 horsepower, the six-cylinder version shows a vast improvement over the four-cylinder engine. Of course, this improvement in power over the four-cylinder results in lower fuel efficiency.

The handling of this SUV also shows improvement over older versions. With electronic brake force distribution, a four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), and a four-wheel independent suspension, the 2004 Saturn VUE handles its power well and has no trouble with quick turns and faster stops.

Safety

The 2004 Saturn VUE incorporates a number of safety features including front seat belt pretensioners, three-point seat belts, and child seat anchors. With all of these available safety features, this SUV definitely earns its many five-star ratings for crash tests. The five-star ratings show up for all side, front, and rear impacts, displaying the usefulness of the Saturn VUE’s safety features.

The only issue that shows during the safety test is the lack of rollover resistance for this SUV, earning it three out of five stars in this area. As expected with many SUVs, the Saturn VUE suffers from issues with rolling over.